Carrera Manufacturing, Inc., a custom injection molding and finishing company, plans to expand its operations in Portland, Indiana, creating up to 102 new jobs by 2018.

The homegrown-Hoosier company will invest $1.27 million to construct and equip a Class 100 cleanroom within its current 80,000 square-foot manufacturing facility in Portland. The cleanroom, which is expected to be fully operational next spring, will enable the company to broaden its current finishing and coating capabilities and answer strong customer demand for anti-fog, anti-glare, thermal and UV-cured coatings processed within a cleanroom environment.

“For more than 50 years, we have grown in northeast Indiana, so it is only natural that we would continue to grow and invest in Portland,” said Jim Hiester, President of Carrera Manufacturing. “The typical cleanroom in the finishing/coating industry is a Class 10,000 or at best Class 1,000. But with demand for ‘cleaner’ cleanrooms, Carrera is investing in a state-of-the art Class 100 cleanroom. The Class 100 cleanroom will allow us to continue to grow and expand our finishing capabilities. Carrera will be one of the few injection molders with finishing and coating capabilities within a certified Class 100 cleanroom.” Carrera Manufacturing, which currently employs 82 full-time Indiana associates, plans to begin hiring for manufacturing, technical and supervisor positions by the end of the year.

Founded in 1961, Carrera Manufacturing specializes in injection molding, finishing and assembly, providing lighting fixtures and automobile accessories to manufacturers throughout the Midwest. With the new capital investment, Carrera Manufacturing will operate 21 injection molding machines, seven vacuum metallizers, six robotic paint/coating lines and a Class 100 cleanroom within its current 80,000 square foot facility. In addition, Carrera will be able to supply other industries requiring coatings/finishes to be processed within a controlled environment with low levels of contaminants.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation offered Carrera Manufacturing, Inc. up to $300,000 in conditional tax credits and up to $200,000 in training grants based on the company's job creation plans. These tax credits are performance-based, meaning until Hoosiers are hired, the company is not eligible to claim incentives. Jay County will consider additional incentives at the request of the Jay County Economic Development Corporation.

“Businesses recognize that an investment in Indiana produces positive results both today and for the future,” said Governor Mike Pence. “Our talented Hoosier workforce has an unmatched tenacity for productivity and efficiency, and our tax climate is the best in the Midwest. There’s no better place for manufacturing than right here in Indiana, and Carrera Manufacturing’s investment today reflects that reality.”